Japan to acquire 66 MW wind energy project

GE Renewables Energy – one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers in the world – has announced its development of a 66 megawatt (MW) wind energy project in the Akita prefecture in northern Japan.

GE Renewables Energy said it has reached an agreement with leading architectural, civil engineering and general contracting firm, Shimizu Corporation, to supply 22 units of GE’s 3.2-103 wind turbines, for the Akita Katagami Wind Farm.

According to reports, a Special Purpose Company (SPC) comprising of Venti Japan, Mitsubishi Power Corp and C-Tech will operate the wind farm once it is commissioned.

The 66 MW project will provide enough energy to power the equivalent of 40,000 Japanese homes.

Japan had set an emissions reduction target of 26 per cent below 2013 levels by 2030, equivalent to 18 per cent below 1990 levels by 2030.

Pete McCabe, President & CEO of GE’s Onshore Wind Business, said: “We are delighted to launch our 3.2-103 turbine in Japan for the Akita Katagami Wind Farm, and help the Akita prefecture move closer to their renewable energy goals.

“By committing to provide the residents of Akita with affordable, reliable and sustainable wind power generation, and building a new, local service and maintenance facility, we will also help to bring jobs to the region.”

The Akita Katagami Wind Farm will host Japan’s largest installation in terms of wind capacity of GE’s 3.2-103 turbines.

The turbines will also feature upgraded electrical systems, strengthened drive trains, advanced lighting protection, as well as reinforced towers and blades.

Hiroyuki Sato, President Akita-Katagami Wind Farm LLS and Venti Japan Inc. and Akita Katagami, said: “GE’s expertise in global wind market would be valuable for Venti as we are working for indispensable projects one after another to further establish more competitive wind power business in Japan.”

The wind energy generated by these turbines will produce power at a lower cost than previous models used in the region.

At present, GE has a total of over 400 wind turbines installed and under construction in Japan.

Construction of the Akita Katagami Wind Farm began in April this year, with commercial operation scheduled to begin in May 2020.

Earlier this year, Climate Action reported that with strong policy leadership Japan can reach a 35 per cent renewable power share by 2030, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).

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